# IPTV vs cable TV

URL: https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/iptv-vs-cable/

> IPTV vs cable TV compared: monthly cost, contracts, equipment, channel choice, picture quality and reliability, with who should switch.

Cable TV and IPTV deliver the same kind of thing (live channels) through different pipes. The practical differences are price, flexibility and how much depends on your internet.

Typical cost | Low monthly equivalent on longer plans | Higher, plus box rental | 
Contract | Prepaid, from one month | Often 12 to 24 months | 
Equipment | Your own devices | Provider's box | 
Rooms | Any device on your network | Extra boxes cost extra | 
Travel | Works abroad | Home only | 
Depends on internet | Yes | No | 
Picture | HD and [4K](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/4k-iptv-explained/) where available | HD, some 4K | 

## Who should switch

- People with a stable connection of 25 Mbps or more.
- Households watching in several rooms.
- Expats wanting channels from home.

## Who might keep cable

- Homes with weak or capped internet.
- Viewers who want one bill and an engineer on call.

## Moving from cable

Keep your internet, return the cable box, and set up one device at a time. A one month plan is a low-risk test.

Save 67% on 12 months

## Get Viking IPTV and watch everything in one place

- 25,000+ live channels
- TV guide (EPG) included
- All devices, 4K & Full HD
- 24/7 support

From**$4.16**/month[Get Viking IPTV](https://ww1.vikingiptvofficial.com/pricing/)

Secure checkout via Stripe

## Questions and answers

**Is IPTV cheaper than cable?**

Usually, especially on 12 month plans and without box rental.

**Is IPTV as reliable as cable?**

It depends on your internet. With a stable wired connection it is very close.

**Can I keep my internet and drop cable?**

Yes, IPTV only needs the internet connection.

## More iptv explained guides

- [M3U playlist explained](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/m3u-playlist-explained/)
- [Xtream Codes login explained](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/xtream-codes-login-explained/)
- [EPG: the IPTV TV guide explained](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/epg-tv-guide-explained/)
- [IPTV catch-up explained](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/iptv-catch-up-guide/)
- [Recording IPTV: what works](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/iptv-recording-guide/)

[All IPTV Explained guides](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/iptv-guides/explained/) · [Every IPTV guide](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/iptv-guides/)

## Sources and official links

- [FCC broadband speed guide](https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/broadband-speed-guide)

**Viking IPTV Editorial Team**

We open every provider site on our list, record what it offers and re-check the whole list regularly. [Our methodology and disclosure](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/about/).